Hardware store goes solar in big way, with Maine’s second-largest system

Damariscotta Hardware is having an open house today to show how the system works.

Alliance: Add commuter bus destinations

The group wants help financing the route expansion to Lewiston and elsewhere, but a turnpike official says the need isn’t there.

Transit activists: Expand Zoom commuter bus

Proposals to expand commuter services are contained in a report called “A Turnpike for the 21st Century.”

CMP’s parent: Wind power development hinges on Maine policies

GORHAM — The parent company of Central Maine Power Co. wants to develop large wind-energy projects in Maine after the $1.4 billion upgrade of CMP’s transmission grid is finished in five years.

But any investments will hinge in part on policies that continue to support wind power development, said Ignacio Galan, chairman of Iberdrola Group.

If Maine signals that it’s no longer friendly to wind power, he said, the global energy company will expand elsewhere.

CMP’s parent: Wind power development hinges on Maine policies

If Maine signals that it’s no longer friendly to wind power, he said, the global energy company will expand elsewhere.

Linda Bean buying key Freeport property

FREEPORT — Maine entrepreneur Linda Bean has bought the former Bath & Body Works building across from the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport and plans to open a year-round destination restaurant that features local foods.

The project will mark an expansion of Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine franchise, which includes cafes in Camden, Port Clyde, Portland and Delray Beach, Fla., lobster wharves in midcoast Maine and a processing plant in Rockland.

The 7,600-square-foot brick building is on the corner of Main and Bow streets. It was listed for $3.6 million, according to Greg Boulos, a partner at CBRE/The Boulos Co., although the sale price wasn’t released today. The property was sold by George Denney, founder of Cole Haan Footwear. It includes a 25-car parking lot on Depot Street.

CMP meters: Get smart to save money

A $192 million project to install wireless electric meters is aimed at boosting off-peak use.

Maine home sales down, but prices rise in August

Sales of houses in Cumberland County were down nearly five percent during the summer.

Candidates’ views split on energy policy

A debate sharpens the distinctions between the candidates for governor on hydro dams, offshore drilling and lowering power costs.

Candidates for governordebate energy, environment

PORTLAND — Maine’s gubernatorial candidates outlined their positions on offshore oil drilling, Canadian power, wind farm development and strategies to lower electricity costs during a debate today in front of a gathering of energy and environmental professionals.

The debate took place at the University of Southern Maine before members of the Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine.

The forum served to sharpen the distinctions between the Republican front runner in polls, Paul LePage, who favors less government involvement and regulation, and his Democratic challenger, Libby Mitchell, who sees a stronger role for government to encourage Maine’s transition to a green economy. It also highlighted specific plans by Eliot Cutler, one of three independent candidates, to create a public power authority to partner with industry to build lower-cost energy projects, and the small business, high-efficiency focus of Shawn Moody.